Are you craving a delicious and healthy meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! These flaky fish cakes, made without potatoes, are a fantastic alternative to traditional recipes. They're packed with flavor, light and fluffy, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a sophisticated weekend brunch. Forget heavy, potato-laden fish cakes – this recipe delivers a delightful, healthier twist on a classic comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia work best), skin removed and cut into chunks
- ½ cup cooked quinoa, cooled
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: Breadcrumbs for coating (panko recommended)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Fish: Gently flake the cooked fish into a large bowl. If you haven't already cooked the fish, bake or pan-fry it until it's opaque and easily flakes. Let it cool slightly before proceeding.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled quinoa, red onion, garlic, egg, parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dill, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the fish. Gently mix everything together until it’s well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the fish cakes tough.
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Form the Cakes: Shape the mixture into small, flat patties, about ½ inch thick. If using breadcrumbs, lightly coat each patty.
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Cook the Fish Cakes: Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the fish cakes in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and heated through.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious fish cakes immediately. They are fantastic on their own, or try them with a side of your favorite salad, roasted vegetables, or a squeeze of extra lemon juice.
Tips for the Best Fish Cakes:
- Don't overmix the ingredients: Overmixing can lead to tough fish cakes. Gently combine everything until just incorporated.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor and brightens up the fish cakes.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to suit your taste.
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Variations:
- Add some vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor.
- Experiment with different herbs: Try using fresh dill, chives, or thyme instead of parsley.
- Make it cheesy: Stir in some grated cheddar or parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary slightly depending on the type of fish and ingredients used. However, a general estimate per fish cake would be around:
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 5-8g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
These healthy and delicious fish cakes are a great example of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas that are perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy this simple homemade cooking recipe – your taste buds will thank you!